Enhancing Pineal Function through Light Therapy

You may be asking yourself what is this all about?
The pineal gland is a central player in the endocrine system. When the endocrine system is humming along and all playing well with each other, we experience optimum health. We have vitality and energy, we are able to sleep soundly and get good sleep consistently.

This pea sized gland is responsible for the production of serotonin a neurotransmitter essential to maintain a sense of wellbeing and joyfulness. It is an antagonist to adrenaline. In our modern life we have become overstimulated and produce high amounts of adrenaline which is at the root of many of our health problems. Insomnia, stress related conditions such as heart palpitations, panic disorders, rashes, learning disorders, depression and much more.
The effects of too much adrenaline.
It is the syndrome effect of too much adrenaline that sets folks on a downhill slide into deeper health issues. Lack of sleep alone is enough to breakdown one's health and wellbeing. It is during the sleep cycles that our bodies repair and restore. We also work out our emotional and psychological struggles during the deeper dream states of sleep.

The pineal gland's important serotonin production during waking hours converts to melatonin as night falls. Melatonin is the lullaby that winds us down for sleeping. Without adequate serotonin, sleep will be disturbed and irregular. Over time we become walking zombies! Lacking the uplift of serotonin we do not have the energy or inclination to exercise, get out into nature, take in the sun or prepare ourselves healthy nourishing meals. 

So, we see the pineal gland is key to health.
The pineal gland is naturally stimulated with light. It is also stimulated when we find the meditative state. This does not necessarily mean meditation in sitting for hours trying to be still and allowing our thoughts to subside, although this is an excellent practice. There are many forms of meditation to be found within our daily activities, painting, even a fence, drawing, riding a bike, going for a walk or run, just sitting and enjoying the day go by in the fresh air and sunshine is meditative. This recent scientific abstract from MDPI and independant peer reviewed journal of chemistry offers insight into the effects of pineal calcification and the reversal of this process.
"Pineal Calcification, Melatonin Production, Aging, Associated Health Consequences & Rejuvenation of the Pineal Gland"
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Chi Nei Tsang a healing modality of applied Chi Kung, focuses on improving endocrine function. As a regular part of my practice as a Chi Nei Tsang therapist my #1 homework assignment for clients is to begin a regular practice of sun gazing which stimulates the pineal gland to increase serotonin. When we look up to the sun with eyes closed, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominate as the pupils contract. The optic nerve carries the light stimulation directly to the pineal gland and stimulates the production of the much needed serotonin. 

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However, not all clients are compliant! This has lead me to look for ways to jump start the activation of the pineal gland. In the process I have learned that when this small gland is not properly stimulated calcification can result. This calcification rendures the pineal gland ineffective and leads to chronic states of ill health. Recent research indicates the pineal gland can be restored through the use of light therapies and brain entrainment modalities.

​This abstract, "Illumination Rationale and Uses for Light Therapy", from Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine offers further insights.

The truth is therapeutic devices have their limitations, ultimately health is restored and maintained through consistent daily habits that promote vitality and the joy of living!

​It is important to understand that nothing beats the real thing SUN GAZING, which improves health in so many ways. It is the most powerful way to improve sleep, mood and restore health. Sun gazing, with eyes closed causes the pupils to contract to their smallest aperture. This contraction signals the nervous system to drop out of sympathetic response into the parasympathetic state...this is the calm and relaxed state. Additionally the light that enters through the eye lids travels through the optic nerve and gently stimulates the pineal gland indusing it to begin producing serotonin. At night when the evening begins to fall, your body then turns the serotonin magically into melatonin... the "make you sleepy" neurotransmitter. 

Additionally moderate daily exposure to the sun for as little as 20 minutes will stimulate the skin to produce Vitamin D, which most people shower off daily...that's a whole other blog. The bottom line, get out in the fresh air, develop a practice of regular sun gazing ...you'll be amazed at the transformation...common sense health care!

Within our practice Bridge to Health, a Commonsense approach to Wellness, we offer, 
Detox, Purify, Support, Heart & Unwind these modalities have proven to work synchronistically to support clients who are truly seeking a restoration or improvement of their health! 

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